Six Hours in the Life of a Mount Student Volunteer

For me, volunteering is always both fun and rewarding. Knowing that you are able to help and have fun as well is surely worth one's time. On March 5, I had a chance to put six hours of my time to very good use, when I was a volunteer at Explore the Mount, our winter Open Campus Day.


Sitting on the table for the speed networking was a very good way to start the day. I had the chance to share my life as a Mount student to prospective students and their parents, and to answer the questions they had about how fun it is here at the Mount. One student asked me if there was one thing I didn't like about the Mount, and it took me forever to think, because there are actually none! Well, ok, I said walking up the hill is always a challenge. But hey! I can attest that it's a good exercise. Doing it daily keeps me healthy and fit!


Breaking into groups and leading the students to their 'classrooms' brought back memories of when I was trying to find a classroom during my first term here at the Mount. It was great way to help future Mount students NOT to get lost in Seton!


Even lunch time was so much fun. Aramark did a very good job. The food they served was really fantastic. From the veggies to the wraps, it was all healthy. It's definitely one aspect that parents
can let out a sigh of relief, knowing that their children will be eating healthy while on campus.


The info session proved to be really informative even to a current Mount student like me. I had a chance to ask about the different services the library has to offer; the different countries a Mount student can go for an exchange; the different student societies and what they have to offer; the counseling services; the career planning services. It made me realize that there is absolutely a lot of assistance a Mount Student can take advantage of to help them become a well rounded individual!


Raffle time was SO exciting! How I wish I also had a chance to join. I wanted those amazing prices that they were giving away especially the NETBOOK!


Just when I thought the fun was over, there was still one final activity that I think was a very great way to end the funfilled day. The campus tour! Students were grouped into two, those who wanted to see the residences and the other group who is not thinking of living in residence. Other student volunteers lead the tours of our beautiful campus and it was equally fun for the prospective students and the student leaders as well.


Indeed, it was a very worthwhile six hours of my time! Until the next Explore the Mount!

Monty the Change Bandit

Over the last couple of weeks the Admissions and Registrar's Office joined together to collect change as part of C100's (one of our local radio stations) fundraising efforts for Halifax's children's hospital the IWK. We ended up collecting a grand total of $566.11 just from spare change donated within the office and from the Mount students, staff and faculty who dropped in during that time!

The radio station was broadcasting live during the drop-off days of the event so Monty, our mascot, and some of our staffers decided to take the change down personally and say hello to the deejays and Liz Rigney who were hosting the event. Monty got to help out with counting the change and Wanda Mason from the Registrar's Office, spoke for him on the radio.

Great work everyone!

4 Types of Information Sessions This Month!

Mount Saint Vincent University will be hosting information sessions during February. Please note that there are four types of sessions.

1. The NSCC 2+2 Articulation Agreement Sessions are only open to students currently enrolled at NSCC
2. Holland College 2+2 Articulation Agreement Sessions are only open to students currently enrolled at Holland College.
3. The Community Undergraduate Information Sessions are open to anyone considering or already accepted to the Mount in an undergraduate program.
4. The Individual Sessions are open to anyone who would like to arrange a meeting with an Admissions Officer to ask questions or have their application assessed for admission. Please email courtney.barnhill@msvu.ca three days before she will be in your area to arrange an appointment.

At all sessions students have a chance to submit their application to the Mount, and to have it reviewed for admission right away. All you need to bring is a completed application form, your official transcripts in sealed envelopes, and a cheque, credit card or cash to pay the application fee of $30!

Students who have already applied, or who are considering applying, can ask questions about opportunities at the Mount, including scholarships and the services we offer to our students. Check out this link to get more information on locations and times!

It's New Years Resolution Time

Hey everyone, it’s Julie here again!
It’s that time again, when the calendars change and resolution talks are up in the air. I thought really hard about a resolution that I could make this year (and that I wouldn’t break!). I picked to do better in school. (Hopefully I achieve it! ha)

There are so many resources here at the mount that can help me achieve this resolution. My professors are really easy going and flexible for meetings and extra help. I’m not afraid to say I don’t understand. The mount has a writing resource center which can help me with all my essays that I will need to write. I can even take a workshop on procrastinating!

There a good thing the libraries are open late – because that’s where I’ll be if I’m not in class! The library staff is very helpful and friendly if I need help with information or just finding a book!

Another key thing I’m sure that will help me is to be organized! I have already bought my books (the Students’ Union has a great book fair going on, in with you support your students’ union and your fellow students!). The next step is to get my binders organized! Good thing the book store has tons of binders and school supplies!

One thing I’ll be sure to do is visit my academic advisor. Mine always makes sure that I’m on track in my program & gives me helpful tips and suggestions! They are a lifesaver!

These are just a few ideas that I have so far to getting the grades I want. I’ll update you guys and tell you how I’m doing! Oh! And if you guys have any tips or suggestions, reply to this message or go to the mount fan page or thinking the mount in 2010 page! J

Holiday Greetings from the Mount

Well the season is upon us. Yesterday was the last day the university was open before the Christmas closure and it was a busy day indeed. Right up until we closed down for the holidays the doors (well, honestly, until an hour or so AFTER we closed down) Admissions Officers Courtney and Shannon were processing last-minute applications for January in the hopes of delivering acceptances until they went home. Everyone's left now though for a well-deserved break and we will reopen again January 4th.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year. Here is a little video the University put together to wish you a joyous holiday season (PS The Admissions crew is the group holding the "Acceptance" sign (from back row, left to right it's Randy, Michelle, Jue'Rissa, Shannon; then front row, left to right is Courtney, Victoria, Heidi, Andraya; missing this day were Erin and Ute).

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Well we've got our first major winter storm here at the Mount this year. At about 10-15 cm the final amount wasn't that bad (honestly warm weather readers, that isn't too bad!). I took a few snapshots of campus late this afternoon to share the prettiness of the snow. Unfortunately the light wasn't so great and it had started raining but I posted the few decent ones on our facebook fan page (PS If you're not a fan, what are you waiting for? You should join today!)

Distance Education isn't just for students who are distant any more!

Have you thought about continuing your education at a University, but are worried you don’t have the time? Do you want to work while you are in school? Who can blame you? Not us! At the Mount we like to consider ourselves as a University that works with you to help you accomplish your post secondary dreams. I can attest to that personally, as I have been able to take some of my courses by Distance Education. Distance Education is a great department here at the Mount! This resource enables you to take courses on-line, by phone or via television and previously recorded classes. This provides students with flexibility to take courses when and where it is most convenient for them to do so. Although I am taking Public Relations, I was able to take several electives online, which I found extremely helpful. I could record my class and watch it when I had the time. Our Distance Education Department offers 10 undergraduate degree programs completely by distance and over 200 credit courses in a variety of different media; courses begin in January, April, July and September. They even have their own online bookstore! You can order your books from their website and they will be delivered right to your door.

For more information about Distance Education and the courses offered visit the following link:

http://www.msvu.ca/en/home/programsdepartments/distancelearning/default.aspx

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Guest Blog today by Victoria, Public Relations student at the Mount